Geraint Thomas, the newly appointed Director of Racing for Ineos Grenadiers, has confirmed that the team’s primary ambition is to secure an eighth victory at the Tour de France. This goal follows the team’s impressive record of seven wins between 2012 and 2019. The announcement was made on Thursday, marking a significant transition for Thomas as he moves from racing to management after 16 seasons with the team.
During a recent episode of the Watts Occurring podcast, which Thomas co-hosts with fellow Welshman Luke Rowe, he elaborated on his new responsibilities. His role will focus on fostering a competitive environment among both riders and staff, leveraging his extensive experience as a professional cyclist. Thomas emphasized the importance of pushing both teams to achieve their best performance, stating, “There’s always competition for places… it’s not just going through the motions.”
Thomas, who won the Tour de France in 2018, highlighted the necessity of having a formidable objective. He explained that a challenging goal helps to elevate performance levels. “The main thing with that is having a big goal, a big objective everybody thinks, ‘that’s pretty tough to go to’,” he said, asserting that this mentality motivates everyone involved.
The director further confirmed that the overarching aim for Ineos Grenadiers is to reclaim the top position on the Champs-Élysées. He mentioned recent discussions with team principal Dave Brailsford, stating, “It’s no secret, the big goal is winning the Tour again.” While Thomas refrained from specifying a timeline for achieving this target, he underlined the importance of maintaining high standards and attracting strong sponsorship, which had been crucial for the team’s success in the past.
Addressing the challenge posed by current Tour champion Tadej Pogačar, Thomas expressed confidence in the team’s future. “Pog’s not going to be around forever,” he noted, emphasizing a long-term strategy. He aims to position the team as a formidable contender in the coming years, regardless of the competition.
Acting as a bridge between the riders and management, Thomas believes his former experience as a teammate allows for more honest and direct communication. “I feel like I’ve got that relationship with a lot of the guys where hopefully they can be honest with me,” he explained. This connection is expected to foster a more collaborative atmosphere within the team.
Initially, Thomas will adopt an observational role, closely working with Brailsford to understand the team’s internal dynamics. He referenced Tim Kerrison, a former trainer who took a similar approach, as a model for his own development. Thomas aims to be flexible in his responsibilities, stating, “I’m in the senior management team, but I see the role as moving around,” allowing for a dynamic engagement with both staff and riders.
As he begins this new chapter with Ineos Grenadiers, Thomas’s commitment to fostering a competitive and collaborative environment is a clear indication of the team’s determination to reclaim its status at the pinnacle of professional cycling. The focus remains steadfast on the Tour de France, with aspirations to return as a dominant force in the sport.
